Case Studies: Teachers

Hello, Sakaya! Thank you for agreeing to this interview! Could you begin telling us a little about the languages that you teach and why you chose a career in teaching?

I teach Japanese, and I can do so since I have a great understanding of the learning process of a second language because I studied academic English by myself. I like to use my experience to teach Japanese to people from all over the world. This is why I’m always updating and improving my teaching skills.

That’s key to a successful career in teaching! How did you do to get started? Tell us a bit about your teaching experience.

I have been teaching private and group Japanese classes in Australia for over 6 years to people who are 5 to 66 years old.

And what attracted you to teach with Language Trainers at the beginning?

Working with Language trainers makes me feel supported. They always help when I have a problem or inquiry. Besides, the company provides many opportunities for teachers to develop their teaching skills. Also, both the student and the tutor are matched according to their profiles.

It’s great that our system was one of the reasons why you decided to work with us. And now that you have been with us for a long time, what is your favourite thing about working with Language Trainers?

I really appreciate their support, their clear communication and reward system, and their easy and quick payment system. The compensation is very fair too!

When a member of our staff contacts you with a new student, is there any particular trait you expect them to have?

The traits that I consider essential to learn Japanese are common sense and passion to learn the language and its culture.

We agree on that! And what should students expect from you as their teacher?

I always prepare a special learning plan for each individual student using lots of fun and practical activities based on my 6 years of teaching experience. I try to make everything as easy and clear as possible. I use many reputable online websites, videos, audios, card games and grammar books. Some of them have even been used by the Murdoch University in West Australia. I also use a website based on the Japanese proficiency test JLPT Level 5-1 with many visual aids.

Wow, those classes certainly seem like a lot of fun! So far, which has been your most memorable teaching experience with Language Trainers?

I have enjoyed every class that I have taught with Language Trainers. All the students they matched me with were very enthusiastic. Language Trainers always addressed all the concerns I had at the beginning. Also, I received a lovely Christmas card from Language Trainers, which I really appreciated!

I’m glad you liked that! Now, for those students who are considering learning a language with us, why do you think they should enrol in a course with Language Trainers?

Language Trainer has a great reputation and history. They hire only qualified and experienced language trainers. Besides, they always answer quickly and provide great support.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions today, Sakaya! Before you go, could you share with us a fun fact about the language you teach or a favourite expression you ask your students to learn?

One fun fact that not everyone knows is that the Japanese language has no genetic relation to any other language. This is why it is considered one of the most unique languages in the world. Many students also find it interesting that many other languages have words of Japanese origin, like emoji, Tsunami, the Kabuki brush and Pikachu! It also works the other way around. Japanese has a vast number of loanwords from other languages such as English, Portuguese, German. Some words like テレビ “terebi” derive from English, パン “pan”, “bread” comes from the Portuguese word pão, and アルバイト “arubaito” means “part-time worker” and comes from the German word Arbeit (work). One of my favourite expressions that students of all levels can say is Yatta!, which means “Yippee!” or “Yeeees!!!” when we express a happy, exciting feeling.